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Friday, February 15, 2008

Hey, Suzie, glad to have you back. I've read Reclaiming Nick and I loved it. Then I read Taming Rafe. Wow!! I can't wait for the third book in the Noble Legacy series.

Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I believe firmly that our time here on earth is meant to prepare us for eternity – and that starts with a relationship with God. So, having been a recipient of so much grace in my life, I try and pass that in into my stories – filling them with hope, and encouragement, filled with real characters who struggle with real issues. Of course, I like to do it all against a great backdrop of intrigue or suspense, or even the beauty of a state like Montana! My desire is that, when people finish my stories, they are inspired to seek after the God they met in my books.

Very well said. I feel the same way. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I think it was the day my first child was born. Of course, I was equally thrilled with every child (I have 4). But motherhood took me by surprise, and I didn’t realize how it would scoop me up and take my breath away. I love being a mom!

How has being published changed your life?

It’s opened doors of both opportunity and responsibility. I’m ever aware of the valuable time of my readers, and thus, I take the gift of being in their lives for even just a few hours very seriously. I work hard on my stories, and immerse myself in the Word, hoping that the stories I write touch a life in a way that is eternal. I never desired fame or fortune, but I always wanted to be a person who changed her world for Christ.

What are you reading right now?

I just finished Light of Eidon. I love fantasy, even though I don’t write it.

What is your current work in progress?

I just started a fun, fast-paced, thriller/mystery series – It’s the epic adventures of a wanna-be PI named PJ Sugar. It’s funny, and poignant, and full of suspense and romance, as well as a spiritual message that applies to all our lives. I’m hoping readers will fall in love with PJ Sugar like I have!

I love the name already. What would be your dream vacation?

The beach, a pile of books and lots of time to read them!

How do you choose your settings for each book?

I like to write about places that interest me – whether I’ve been there, or plan to go there. For sure, when I write the book, I’ve visited the place, however, so I can weave in the texture and actual landmarks. I also try and use places that have something to do with the story plot, also.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

Oh boy, that’s a hard question! I’ve met so many authors who I admire. I think, though, I’d love to sit down with Elisabeth Elliot, who still holds the standard as a Godly woman for me. Her courage and faith inspired me in my early missionary days, and I’d love to meet her.

I've always loved her, too. When I wrote for School of Tomorrow, I did a piece on Jim Elliot and the difference he and his friends made, even though they lost their lives doing it. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Is there anything else? *grin* I love hiking, and camping. I love snowmobiling. I love home decorating. And I love making a great dinner for friends.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

The temptation to look at what others are doing and losing confidence in my own stories, my own writing. It is SO easy, (and so wrong) to compare yourself to others. My challenge is keeping my eyes fixed on my goal, despite the voices shouting from the sideline, and hear only the voice of my Father directing my steps.

That's somthing every Christian writer must learn. What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write the stories that are on your heart, and learn your genre very well, by reading stories in that genre, and studying them copiously. Also – get a team of critiquers who will give you honest feedback!

Tell us about the featured book.

Taming Rafe is the story of bull-rider who finds himself caught in his worst nightmare. A friend of his has died, and Rafe has destroyed his career, and he’s broken and at the end of his rope. Enter Kat Breckenridge, a philanthropist from NYC who is trying desperately to keep her charitable organization from going under. It doesn’t help when Rafe decimates her event – so she goes looking for him, hoping he’s a decent guy and will help her out of bankruptcy. Uh…sorry, no. Rafe’s too wrapped up in his own problems to help her. But she’s persuasive, and she’s going to help him heal. In the process she also discovers a few secrets about herself that will change her life. It’s one of my favorite stories because I just adore Rafe. He’s a great hero – unwilling to see his need for someone until they practically force themselves into his life, but underneath that prickly exterior is a man with a great capacity to give, and love. Add to that the beauty of Montana, the excitement of bull-riding, a delicious subplot with a couple locals, and a spiritual theme about God at work in our lives. It’s story I am very grateful to have been allowed to tell.

Thank you for spending this time with us, Suzie.Readers, you'll just love this book. I could hardly put it down. If you want to read my review, go to my Shoutlife site:www.shoutlife.com/lenanelsondooleyI do reviews on my blog. You might like to read the other reviews there, too.Want a free copy of the book? Leave a comment.Also check out these other interviews:Roxanne Rustand - VendettaSusan Page Davis - Finding MarieRobin Carroll - Bayou CorruptionNew winners tomorrow!Don't forget to sign up for Feedblitz, under my profile.

27 comments:

Hey everybody, you need to run out and snatch up this book as quickly as you can! I love all of Susie's books, but this one just might be my new favorite. Strong romance, honest characters and beautiful writing! :)

PJ Sugar's story sounds like a blast as well. Get to writing, chica. Your fans await!

Susan I agree with you what else is there besides reading and writing, I do the first but I need author like you and Lena and others to keep it up so I have something to bury my nose in when I finish the pile in front of me at the moment.

My only "serious" writing that I actually share publically is book reviews on my blog but I love writing them and wish I had more time to read so I could do more - there's so many intriguing new books.

Can't wait to check out yours. I'll have to bug my library for them if they don't already have copies.

I enjoyed Susan's Deep Haven series, so I'd love to be in the drawing for Taming Rafe. I'll be looking out for Reclaiming Nick, too. Can't wait for the first PJ Sugar story! Thanks for the great interview.

I love Reclaiming Nick and look forward to reading Taming Rafe. These are books that we are going to be reading in our womens book club this summer. Please enter me in the contest. runninmama at sbcglobal dot net